U.S. patent application number 10/273510 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-22 for glove donning system.
Invention is credited to Sinai, Dan.
Application Number | 20030094468 10/273510 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11074175 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030094468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sinai, Dan |
May 22, 2003 |
Glove donning system
Abstract
A glove donning system and method, the arrangement having
typically a vacuum wand for grasping the outer skin of the cuff
portion of a glove, after which the wand together with the glove is
suitably transported to a vacuum chamber, where the cuff portion is
aligned with the rim of the opening of the vacuum chamber. By
grasping only the outer skin of the glove, the cuff portion is
gently opened sufficiently to enable a deflated inflatable ring to
be inserted into the cuff portion. The ring is then inflated while
positioned inside the cuff portion, which is thereby expanded until
it touches the rim of the vacuum chamber. The rim is provided with
a suction ring capable of generating sufficient suction to keep the
cuff of the glove pressed against the rim, at which point the
inflatable ring may be deflated and removed. A vacuum may then be
applied to the chamber, inflating the glove and thus enabling a
hand to be inserted thereinto. A donning device may be fitted with
a pair of such systems, one for each hand, and further provided
with suitable means for stacking and delivering on demand one glove
to each vacuum chamber.
Inventors: |
Sinai, Dan; (Haifa,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG
745 FIFTH AVENUE- 10TH FL.
NEW YORK
NY
10151
US
|
Family ID: |
11074175 |
Appl. No.: |
10/273510 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10273510 |
Oct 18, 2002 |
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PCT/IL01/00449 |
May 20, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
223/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 42/50 20160201;
A61B 42/00 20160201; A47G 25/904 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/111 |
International
Class: |
A47G 025/80 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 25, 2000 |
IL |
136378 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A system for expanding a cuff portion of an elastically
expandable glove from a non-expanded condition to an expanded open
condition and for releasably holding said cuff portion in said open
condition, said open condition being at least sufficient to enable
a hand to pass through the cuff portion of the glove, the system
comprising:--(a) holding means comprising suction means and at
least one suitable contact surface for sealingly holding said cuff
portion in said open condition when said cuff portion is in
abutting contact with said at least one contact surface; and (b)
expandable ring means capable of being reversibly expanded from a
first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in said
first configuration said ring means comprises a compact external
profile such as to enable said ring means to be inserted into said
cuff portion when said glove is in said non-expanded condition, and
wherein in said second configuration said ring means comprises an
expanded external profile at least substantially complementary to
that of said at least one contact surface to enable the cuff
portion to be abutted thereagainst.
2. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said holding means are sealingly mountable to an open end
of a vacuum chamber such that a glove held by said holding means
extends into said vacuum chamber, said vacuum chamber being adapted
for expanding a portion of said glove extending into said chamber
by the application of a vacuum to the external surface of said
portion of said glove when said cuff portion is sealing held in
said open condition by said holding means.
3. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 1,
wherein said suction means comprises a vacuum chamber operatively
connected to a vacuum source and further comprises suction
apertures in close proximity to said at least one contact surface
for providing suction to at least part of said cuff portion when
said cuff portion is in abutting contact with said at least one
said contact surface.
4. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 3,
wherein said at least one contact surface comprises a concave
cylindrical surface.
5. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 3,
wherein said holding means comprises first and second axially
displaced holding members each having a central aperture comprising
at least one said contact surface, wherein said central apertures
are substantially coaxially aligned, and wherein said suction
apertures are intermediate said at least one contact surface of
each said central aperture.
6. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 3,
wherein said suction apertures are comprised in a suitable mesh,
said mesh being axially joined to said first and second holding
members.
7. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 4,
wherein said expandable ring means comprises a substantially
toroidal inflatable member capable of being inflated by the
application of a pressurised gas at least from said first
configuration to said second configuration, and further comprises a
pipe in open communication with the interior of the said ring, said
pipe being connectable to a suitable pressurised gas source.
8. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 7,
wherein in said first configuration, said ring comprises a
substantially flattened transverse profile.
9. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 4,
wherein said expandable ring means comprises a substantially
inflatably stretchable tubular sleeve attached at each longitudinal
end thereof over a substantially rigid inner member, said sleeve
capable of being inflated by the application of a pressurised gas
at least from said first configuration to said second
configuration, and further comprises a pipe in open communication
with a space between the interior of the said sleeve and said inner
member, said pipe being connectable to a suitable pressurised gas
source.
10. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 9,
wherein said ring means further comprises suitable probe means
extending downstream of said ring means, said probe means having a
head comprising at least one nozzle means for directing pressurised
gas in a downstream direction, said probe means further comprising
a compressed gas line in communication with said probe head, said
probe being connectable to a suitable pressurised gas source.
11. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 10,
wherein said head comprises a relatively narrow transverse profile
with respect to the transverse profile of said ring means in said
first configuration.
12. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 11,
wherein said head is insertable in-between the substantially
flattened opposed surfaces of the said cuff portion when said cuff
portion is in a substantially collapsed flattened condition.
13. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 12,
wherein said probe means is capable of providing compressed gas
flow into the glove when at least said head is inserted in-between
the substantially flattened opposed surfaces of the said cuff
portion when said cuff portion is in a substantially collapsed
flattened condition.
14. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 13,
wherein said compressed gas flow provided by said head is at least
sufficient to separate said opposed flattened surfaces to enable
said ring means in said first configuration comprising a
substantially flattened transverse profile to be inserted into said
cuff portion.
15. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 7,
wherein in said second configuration, said ring comprises a
substantially toroidal shape having a transverse diameter at least
equal to the internal diameter of said contact surface, and wherein
at least a portion of said ring is capable of adopting a profile
substantially complementary to said at least one contact surface
when in abutting contact therewith directly or indirectly via said
cuff portion such as to provide a contact area with said contact
surface having a predetermined axial length.
16. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 15,
wherein said predetermined axial length is between about 10 mm and
about 30 mm.
17. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 1,
further comprising cuff-portion inter-surface separation means for
separating the substantially flattened opposed surfaces of the said
cuff portion when said cuff portion is in a substantially collapsed
flattened condition.
18. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 17,
wherein said inter-surface separation means comprises a vacuum wand
capable of applying suction to a portion of one said flattened
opposed surfaces when in close proximity thereto such as to
separate this flattened surface from the opposed flattened surface
such as to provide an opening in said cuff portion of the
glove.
19. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 18,
wherein said opening comprises a transverse profile sufficiently
large to enable said ring means to be inserted into said cuff
portion when in said first configuration.
20. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 18,
wherein said vacuum wand comprises at least one suction port and a
vacuum line in fluid communication thereto, said vacuum line being
connectable to a suitable vacuum source.
21. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 18,
wherein said vacuum wand provides a suction force on said one
flattened surface sufficient to enable translational and/or
rotational motions to be imparted to said glove via said vacuum
wand.
22. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 21,
wherein said vacuum wand is mounted onto a first transport means to
enable said vacuum wand to be translated and/or rotated within a
predetermined working volume.
23. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 22,
wherein said ring means is mounted onto a second transport means to
enable said ring means to be translated and/or rotated within a
predetermined working volume.
24. A system for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 22,
wherein said holding means are comprised within said working
volume.
25. A method for expanding a cuff portion of an elastically
expandable glove from a non-expanded condition to an expanded open
condition and for releasably holding said cuff portion in said open
condition, said open condition being at least sufficient to enable
a hand to pass through the cuff portion of said glove, comprising
the steps of: (a) providing holding means comprising suction means
and at least one suitable contact surface for sealingly holding
said cuff portion in said open condition when said cuff portion is
in abutting contact with said at least one contact surface; (b
providing ring means capable of being reversibly expanded from a
first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in said
first configuration said ring means comprises a compact external
profile such as to enable said ring means to be inserted into said
cuff portion when said glove is in said non-expanded condition, and
wherein in said second configuration said ring means comprises an
expanded external profile at least substantially complementary to
that of said at least one contact surface to enable the cuff
portion to be abutted thereagainst; (c) inserting said ring means
while in said first configuration into the said cuff portion, said
cuff portion being in said non-expanded condition; (d) expanding
said ring means to said second configuration such as to expand said
cuff portion onto abutting contact with said contact surface, said
holding means being suitably aligned with said ring means; (e)
applying suction to said cuff portion via said suction means such
as to maintain said cuff portion in contact with said contact
surface; (f) reducing the external profile of said ring means from
said second configuration, and removing said ring means from said
cuff portion.
26. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 25,
further comprising the steps of: (g) providing probe means
extending downstream of said ring means, said probe means having a
head comprising at least one nozzle means for directing pressurised
gas in a downstream direction, said probe means further comprising
a compressed gas line in communication with said probe head, said
probe being connectable to a suitable pressurised gas source. (h)
inserting said probe means into said cuff portion, said cuff
portion being in said non-expanded condition; (i) providing
compressed air into said glove via said probe means such as to
separate opposed flattened surfaces of said cuff portion to enable
said ring means to be inserted into said cuff portion, said ring
means being in said first configuration comprising a substantially
flattened transverse profile. wherein steps (h) and (i) are
performed between steps (b) and (c).
27. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 25,
further comprising the steps of: (j) providing said inter-surface
separation means for separating the substantially flattened opposed
surfaces of the said cuff portion when said cuff portion is in a
substantially collapsed flattened condition. (k) placing said
suction port of said vacuum wand in close proximity to the external
surface of one opposing flattened surface of said cuff portion,
said cuff portion being in said non-expanded condition; (l)
providing suction to a part of said external of said one flattened
surface of said cuff portion via said vacuum wand such as to
separate opposed flattened surfaces of said cuff portion to enable
said ring means to be inserted into said cuff portion, said ring
means being in said first configuration. wherein steps (j) to (l)
are performed between steps (b) and (c).
28. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 26,
further comprising the steps of: (j) providing said inter-surface
separation means for separating the substantially flattened opposed
surfaces of the said cuff portion when said cuff portion is in a
substantially collapsed flattened condition. (k) placing said
suction port of said vacuum wand in close proximity to the external
surface of one opposing flattened surface of said cuff portion,
said cuff portion being in said non-expanded condition; (l)
providing suction to a part of said external of said one flattened
surface of said cuff portion via said vacuum wand such as to
separate opposed flattened surfaces of said cuff portion to enable
said ring means to be inserted into said cuff portion, said ring
means being in said first configuration. wherein steps (j) to (l)
are performed between steps (b) and (g).
29. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 28,
further comprising the steps of: (m) providing said first transport
means to enable a vacuum wand mounted thereon to be translated
and/or rotated within a predetermined working volume. (n)
transporting said vacuum wand to a position superposed over said
one flattened surface of said cuff portion between step (j) and
step (k);
30. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 29,
further comprising the steps of: (o) grasping said cuff portion by
means of said vacuum wand and transporting said glove via said
first transport means to a position within said holding means such
that said cuff portion is aligned with said at least one contact
surface prior to step (c); (p) expanding said ring means to a third
configuration intermediate said first configuration and said second
configuration, wherein in said third configuration, said ring is
expanded sufficiently so as to engage and partially expand said
cuff portion; (q) reducing suction from said vacuum wand such as to
disengage from said cuff portion prior to step (d).
31. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 29,
further comprising the steps of: (r) providing said second
transport means to enable said ring means mounted thereon to be
translated and/or rotated within a predetermined working volume.
(s) expanding said ring means to a third configuration intermediate
said first configuration and said second configuration, wherein in
said third configuration, said ring is expanded sufficiently so as
to engage and partially expand said cuff portion; (t) reducing
suction from said vacuum wand such as to disengage from said cuff
portion; (u) grasping said cuff portion by means of said ring means
and transporting said glove via said second transport means to a
position within said holding means such that said cuff portion is
aligned with said at least one contact surface prior to step
(c).
32. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 25,
wherein said holding means are sealingly mounted to an open end of
a vacuum chamber such that a glove held by said holding means
extends into said vacuum chamber, said vacuum chamber being adapted
for expanding a portion of said glove extending into said chamber
by the application of a vacuum to the external surface of said
portion of said glove when said cuff portion is sealing held in
said open condition by said holding means.
33. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 32
adapted for donning right handed gloves to a user.
34. A method for expanding a cuff portion as claimed in claim 32
adapted for donning left handed gloves to a user.
35. Apparatus for donning elastically expandable gloves
comprising:--(i) at least one vacuum chamber having an open end,
said vacuum chamber operatively connected to a suitable vacuum
source; (ii) a holding means comprising suction means and at least
one suitable contact surface for sealingly holding said cuff
portion in said open condition when said cuff portion is in
abutting contact with said at least one contact surface; and (iii)
ring means capable of being reversibly expanded from a first
configuration to a second configuration, wherein in said first
configuration said ring means comprises a compact external profile
such as to enable said ring means to be inserted into said cuff
portion when said glove is in said non-expanded condition, and
wherein in said second configuration said ring means comprises an
expanded external profile at least substantially complementary to
that of said at least one contact surface to enable the cuff
portion to be abutted thereagainst;
36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35, further comprising glove
dispensing means for enabling at least one glove to be engaged by
said ring means.
37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35, further comprising
inter-surface separation means for separating the substantially
flattened opposed surfaces of the said cuff portion when said cuff
portion is in a substantially collapsed flattened condition.
38. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35, comprising two said vacuum
chambers, wherein one said vacuum chamber is adapted for donning
left-handed gloves, and wherein the other said vacuum chamber is
adapted for donning right-handed gloves.
39. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35, further comprising a suitable
first pressure sensing means operatively connected to said at least
one vacuum chamber for sensing air leakage between a said glove and
said vacuum chamber, when a said cuff of said glove is held against
said holding means when said apparatus is in operation.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates primarily to a system and
method for facilitating the donning of gloves in an automatic
manner such that the user or wearer is not required to manually
grasp the gloves during the donning operation. Such a system is of
particular use for donning surgical gloves and for donning gloves
used in clean rooms in the semiconductor/microprocessor and
pharmaceutical industries where avoidance of contamination of
gloves is of the highest priority.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The importance of donning surgical gloves or gloves used in
semiconductor "clean rooms" in a contamination-free manner is well
known. The presence of microbial contaminants on the gloves,
arising from manual manipulation of the gloves during donning, for
example, can have adverse and even lethal effects on a patient
undertaking surgery. Similarly, particulate contaminants passed on
from a glove can destroy a semiconductor wafer.
[0003] Surgeon's and patient examination gloves are intended to
provide an effective barrier against potentially infectious
materials and other contaminants. However, the use of such gloves
has been associated with a number of adverse health effects in
patients and users, including allergic reactions, foreign body
reactions and irritation. Natural rubber latex (NRL), from which
such gloves are generally made, comprises a variety of naturally
occurring substances, including plant proteins, which are believed
to be the primary allergens associated with natural latex allergy.
Nonetheless, NRL gloves provide users with great sensitivity and no
suitable synthetic replacement is currently available. However, NRL
gloves are difficult to don and doff, and thus glove powder, which
comprises cornstarch as a main component thereof, is often used for
lubricating the inside surfaces of the gloves. Natural latex
allergens are known to bind to cornstarch, and thus the use of
donning powder may be pose an additional hazard for allergic
personnel and patients. Over the past 3 years, FDA has received
requests to ban the use of all glove powders, due to the
indications that cornstarch on surgical gloves can reduce tissue
resistance to infection, enhance the development of infection and
act as a carrier of natural latex protein from NRL products, among
others [Federal Register: Jul. 30, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 146)
Proposed Rules, Page 41709-41743 from the Federal Register Online
via GPO Access (wais.access.gpo.gov), 21 CFR Parts 801, 878, and
880]. In June 1997, the National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) of the US issued a safety alert recommending the
use of powder-free, reduced protein content or synthetic gloves as
a means to reduce exposure to natural latex allergens, specifically
via the airborne route of exposure [Department of Health and Human
Services (NIOSH), "National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) Alert: Preventing Allergic Reactions to Natural
Rubber Latex in the Workplace", Publ. No. 97-135, June 1997.].
While the FDA agrees with the goal of reducing exposure to airborne
allergens, it is at the same time concerned that efforts to produce
powder-free gloves with satisfactory donning properties may require
additional manufacturing processes that, if not appropriately
controlled, have deleterious effects on physical properties,
performance and shelf-life of the gloves [Aziz, N., "Chlorination
of Gloves" Paper No. 5. of the Latex Protein Workshop of the
International Rubber Technology Conference, June 1993, Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia; FDA, CDRH, "Environmental Degradation of Latex
Gloves: The Effects of Elevated Temperature on Tensile Strength",
Division of Mechanics and Materials Science Report # 96-05, D.
Walsh, D. Chwirut, R. Kotz, and J. Dawson, Rockville, Md., 1997].
In fact, the FDA is encouraging industry to find a balance between
donning requirements hitherto met by use of the powder and reducing
the risk of adverse health effects.
[0004] Rather than using donning powder, lubrication of the gloves
may be provided, instead, by a coating or by chlorination. Various
kinds of coating are in use. Their manufacture, like the
chlorination process, must be carefully controlled to assure a good
bond between the coating and the glove. Since the coatings may have
different physical properties from that of the NRL glove, they may
not generally have the same stretching characteristics, and thus
provide a different "feel" to a user than regular NRL gloves.
[0005] Chlorination is widely used for reducing the tackiness of
natural latex gloves and thus eliminates the need for donning
powder. Chlorination works by degrading the surface of the gloves,
and thus the chlorination process must be very carefully controlled
to prevent destruction of the glove barrier. Improperly chlorinated
gloves rapidly degrade, and breaks in the latex film may occur
within a span of a few months.
[0006] Another concern is the presence of minute defects in the
gloves known as pinholes, which directly affect the barrier
integrity of the gloves. Studies show that particles such as dust,
dirt and other debris may cause pinholes. Furthermore, the glove
manufacturing process may also introduce pinholes due to factors
such as former vibration, air bubbles in the dripping tanks, dirty
formers, incorrect formulation, excessive curing temperatures, and
so on. While manufacturers are supposed to comply to minimum
manufacturing standards, and while randomised checks are performed,
it is still possible for some gloves not meeting the minimum
pinhole criteria to be used, leading to the possibility of viruses
penetrating the glove, eliminating or reducing the glove's
effectiveness as a barrier.
[0007] An alternative approach to using less effective synthetic
gloves, or to providing NRL gloves with less or alternative forms
of lubrication to donning powder, is to provide a glove donning
system that reduces the need, and preferably does away with the
need entirely, for lubrication. Such a donning system would thus
enable regular NRL gloves (as well as any similar type of glove) to
be donned without lubrication, in particular donning powder, by
elastically deforming the inside of the glove to a volume greater
than the hand of the user. In particular, such a system requires
the cuff of the glove to be elastically expanded to a size such as
to facilitate insertion of a hand therethrough and into the body of
the glove.
[0008] Automatic glove donning devices are known. Typically, a
glove to be donned is held in a vacuum chamber such that the cuff
section of the glove is open providing communication between the
inside of the glove and the environment of the wearer. The outer
surface of the glove is exposed to the vacuum chamber, and thus
remains substantially uncontaminated by the wearer environment.
When a vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber, the glove expands
within the vacuum chamber by virtue of the greater ambient pressure
in the wearer environment, sufficiently to permit a user to insert
his hand into the extended glove relatively effortlessly, after
which the glove is removed from the vacuum chamber donned on the
wearer's hand. Many devices are equipped to don the right-hand and
the left-hand gloves from separate dispensers.
[0009] These prior art devices, however, comprise inadequate
systems for holding the glove within the vacuum chamber in the
first place, such as to form an airtight seal between the cuff
section of the glove and the chamber. For example, in U.S. Pat. No.
3,695,493, the donning device may only be used with gloves having a
cuff portion comprising a special ring made from a rigid material.
While the ring permits the glove to sealingly abut against the
opening of the vacuum chamber, the device cannot be used with
standard gloves, resulting in relatively high running costs for the
device. Further, the rigid ring causes difficulties in sealing the
cuff portion of the glove onto the wearer's arm.
[0010] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,276 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,812, the
gloves come prepared with the cuff portion stretched over a special
dedicated ring. Thus, the device cannot be used with standard
gloves adding considerably to the running costs of the device since
the unit costs of each glove is considerably higher than for
standard gloves. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,913 provides a
sterilised glove package unit comprising a glove having its cuff
portion stretched over a rigid ring, and sealed in an outer
protective bag. U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,494 describes a relatively
large diameter annular ring onto which the cuff portion of a glove
is stretched over prior to donning. U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,785
requires a relatively large stiffening ring for the glove in order
to subject the glove to a vacuum. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,308 and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,272, the cuff portion of an elastic glove must
be manually stretched over the opening of a cylindrical vacuum tube
before it can be donned. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,266, a stacked
arrangement of glove cartridges enables cartridges to be
transported to the opening of a left-hand and of a right-hand
vacuum chambers, each cartridge comprising a polygonal glove holder
having an opening into which an elastic glove is received, the cuff
portion of which is stretched over a lip.
[0011] Some glove donning systems do not make use of a vacuum to
inflate the gloves, but nevertheless suffer from similar problems
as described above. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,935, a
wrist portion in the form of a relatively rigid toroidal-like
member is receivable in a holding rack for enabling the glove to be
donned and removed. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,309 regular elastic
gloves are manually stretched over the open end of a tubular member
facilitating entry of the hand into the glove, but at the same time
contaminating the glove in the initial glove stretching
process.
[0012] All the aforementioned prior art devices either require the
manual manipulation of a regular-type elastic glove over a stiff
lip or ring, increasing the possibility of contamination of the
glove, or alternatively require the gloves to come in prepared
packages comprising such a ring, resulting in much higher unit
costs for the gloves than with regular gloves.
[0013] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a
system and method which overcomes the aforementioned limitations of
glove donning systems and methods.
[0014] It is another aim of the present invention to provide a
system for facilitating the donning of gloves in a substantially
contamination free manner.
[0015] It is another aim of the present invention to provide a
system for the donning of gloves which enables elasticated gloves
such as NRL gloves to be donned relatively easily without the need
for lubrication of the gloves.
[0016] It is another aim of the present invention to provide such a
system in which standard elastic gloves may be donned in a
substantially contamination free manner.
[0017] It is another aim of the present invention to provide such a
system in which each glove can be checked for leakage, and thus for
the existence of pinholes therein, prior to donning.
[0018] It is another aim of the present invention to provide such a
system that is simple to use.
[0019] It is another aim of the present invention to provide such a
system that is relatively simple mechanically and thus economic to
produce as well as to maintain.
[0020] The present invention achieves these and other aims by
providing a glove donning system in the form of a glove grasping
means, typical a vacuum wand, adapted to grasp the outer skin of
the cuff portion of a glove, and means are provided to transport
the glove into a vacuum chamber such that the cuff portion of the
glove is more-or-less aligned with the perimeter or rim of the
opening of the vacuum chamber. By grasping only the outer skin of
the glove, the cuff portion is gently opened sufficiently to enable
an inflatable ring to be inserted into the cuff portion in the
deflated state. The ring is then inflated while positioned inside
the cuff portion so that the cuff portion is stretched and expanded
until it touches the rim of the vacuum chamber. The rim is provided
with a suction ring capable of generating sufficient suction to
keep the cuff of the glove pressed against the rim, at which point
the inflatable ring may be deflated and removed with the grasping
means. With the glove thus held within the vacuum chamber, a vacuum
is applied to the chamber inflating the glove and thus enabling a
hand to be inserted into the glove. A donning device may be fitted
with a pair of such systems, one for each hand, and further
provided with suitable means for stacking and delivering on demand
one glove to each vacuum chamber.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0021] The present invention relates to a system for expanding a
cuff portion of an elastically expandable glove from a non-expanded
condition to an expanded open condition and for releasably holding
said cuff portion in said open condition, said open condition being
at least sufficient to enable a hand to pass through the cuff
portion of the glove, the system comprising:
[0022] holding means comprising suction means and at least one
suitable contact surface for sealingly holding said cuff portion in
said open condition when said cuff portion is in abutting contact
with said at least one contact surface: and
[0023] expandable ring means capable of being reversibly expanded
from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in
said first configuration said ring means comprises a compact
external profile such as to enable said ring means to be inserted
into said cuff portion when said glove is in said non-expanded
condition, and wherein in said second configuration said ring means
comprises an expanded external profile at least substantially
complementary to that of said at least one contact surface to
enable the cuff portion to be abutted thereagainst.
[0024] Preferably, said holding means are sealing mountable to an
open end of a vacuum chamber such that a glove held by said holding
means extends into said vacuum chamber, said vacuum chamber being
adapted for expanding a portion of said glove extending into said
chamber by the application of a vacuum to the external surface of
said portion of said glove when said cuff portion is sealing held
in said open condition by said holding means.
[0025] Optionally, said vacuum means comprises a vacuum chamber
operatively connected to a vacuum source and further comprises
suction apertures in close proximity to said at least one contact
surface for providing suction to at least part of said cuff portion
when said cuff portion is in abutting contact with said at least
one said contact surface.
[0026] Preferably, said at least one contact surface comprises a
concave cylindrical surface, and optionally, wherein said holding
means comprises first and second axially displaced holding members
each having a central aperture comprising at least one said contact
surface, wherein said central apertures are substantially coaxially
aligned, and wherein said suction apertures are intermediate said
at least one contact surface of each said central aperture. Further
optionally, said suction apertures are comprised in a suitable
mesh, said mesh being axially joined to said first and second
holding members.
[0027] In a first embodiment, said expandable ring means comprises
a substantially toroidal inflatable member capable of being
inflated by the application of a pressurised gas at least from said
first configuration to said second configuration, and further
comprises a pipe in open communication with the interior of the
said ring, said pipe being connectable to a suitable pressurised
gas source. Preferably, in said first configuration, said ring
comprises a substantially flattened transverse profile. Optionally,
said ring means further comprises suitable probe means extending
downstream of said ring means, said probe in cans having a head
comprising at least one nozzle means for directing pressurised gas
in a downstream direction, said probe means further comprising a
compressed gas line in communication with said probe head, said
probe being connectable to a suitable pressurised gas source.
Preferably, said head comprises a relatively narrow transverse
profile with respect to the transverse profile of said ring means
in said first configuration. Typically, said head is insertable in
between the substantially flattened opposed surfaces of the said
cuff portion when said cuff portion is in a substantially collapsed
flattened condition. The probe means is capable of providing
compressed gas flow into the glove when at least said head is
inserted in-between the substantially flattened opposed surface of
the said cuff portion when said cuff portion is in a substantially
collapsed flattened condition. The compressed gas flow provided by
said head is at least sufficient to separate said opposed flattened
surface to enable said ring means in said first configuration
comprising a substantially flattened transverse profile to be
inserted into said cuff portion.
[0028] In the first embodiment, and in said second configuration,
said ring comprises a substantially toroidal shape having a
transverse diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of said
contact surface, and wherein at least a portion of said ring is
capable of adopting a profile substantially complementary to said
at least one contact surface when in abutting contact therewith
directly or indirectly via said cuff portion such as to provide a
contact area with said contact surface having a predetermined axial
length, typically, between about 10 mm and about 30 mm.
[0029] In a second embodiment, said expandable ring means comprises
a substantially inflatably stretchable tubular sleeve attached at
each end thereof onto a substantially rigid inner member. The
sleeve is capable of being inflated by the application of a
pressurised gas at least from said first configuration to said
second configuration, and further comprises a pipe in open
communication with a space between the interior of the said sleeve
and the inner member, said pipe being connectable to a suitable
pressurised gas source. Optionally, said ring means further
comprises suitable probe means extending downstream of said ring
means, said probe in cans having a head comprising at least one
nozzle means for directing pressurised gas in a downstream
direction, said probe means further comprising a compressed gas
line in communication with said probe head, said probe being
connectable to a suitable pressurised gas source. Preferably, said
head comprises a relatively narrow transverse profile with respect
to the transverse profile of said ring means in said first
configuration. Typically, said head is insertable in between the
substantially flattened opposed surfaces of the said cuff portion
when said cuff portion is in a substantially collapsed flattened
condition. The probe means is capable of providing compressed gas
flow into the glove when at least said head is inserted in-between
the substantially flattened opposed surface of the said cuff
portion when said cuff portion is in a substantially collapsed
flattened condition. The compressed gas flow provided by said head
is at least sufficient to separate said opposed flattened surface
to enable said ring means in said first configuration comprising a
substantially flattened transverse profile to he inserted into said
cuff portion.
[0030] In the second embodiment, and in said second configuration,
said sleeve comprises a form similar to an ellipsoid of revolution
having a transverse diameter at least equal to the internal
diameter of said contact surface, and wherein at least a portion of
said sleeve is capable of adopting a profile substantially
complementary to said at least one contact surface when in abutting
contact therewith directly or indirectly via said cuff portion such
as to provide a contact area with said contact surface having a
predetermined axial length, typically, between about 10 mm amid
about 30 mm.
[0031] Optionally, the system of the present invention further
comprises cuff-portion inter-surface separation means for
separating the substantially flattened opposed surfaces of the said
cuff portion when said cuff portion is in a substantially collapsed
flattened condition. In the preferred embodiment, said
inter-surface separation means comprises a vacuum wand capable of
applying suction to a portion of one said flattened opposed
surfaces when in close proximity thereto such as to separate this
flattened surface from the opposed flattened surface such as to
provide an opening in said cuff portion of the glove. Said opening
typically comprises a transverse profile sufficiently large to
enable said ring means to be inserted into said cuff portion when
in said first configuration. The vacuum wand typically comprises at
least one suction port and a vacuum line in fluid communication
thereto, said vacuum line being connectable to a suitable vacuum
source, and the vacuum wand provides a suction force on said one
flattened surface sufficient to enable translational and/or
rotational motions to be imparted to said glove via said vacuum
wand.
[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the vacuum wand is mounted onto
a first transport means to enable said vacuum wand to he translated
and/or rotated within a predetermined working volume. Also.sub.7
the ring means is mounted onto a second transport means to enable
said ring means to be translated and/or rotated within a
predetermined working volume. Preferably, the holding means are
comprised within said working volume.
[0033] The present invention is also directed to a method for
expanding a cuff portion of an elastically expandable glove from a
non-expanded condition to an expanded open condition and for
releasably holding said cuff portion in said open condition, said
open condition being at least sufficient to enable a hand to pass
through the cuff portion of said glove, comprising the steps
of--
[0034] (a) providing holding means;
[0035] (b) providing ring means;
[0036] (c) inserting said ring means while in said first
configuration into the said cuff portion, said cuff portion being
in said non-expanded condition;
[0037] (d) expanding said ring means to said second configuration
such as to expand said cuff portion onto abutting contact with said
contact surface, said holding means being suitably aligned with
said ring means;
[0038] (e) applying suction to said cuff portion via said suction
means such as to maintain said cuff portion in contact with said
contact surface;
[0039] (f) reducing the external profile of said ring means from
said second configuration, and removing said ring means from said
cuff portion.
[0040] Said method optionally further comprises the following
steps:
[0041] (g) providing said probe means;
[0042] (h) inserting said probe means into said cuff portion, said
cuff portion being in said non-expanded condition;
[0043] (i) providing compressed air into said glove via said probe
means such as to separate opposed flattened surface of said cuff
portion to enable said ring means to be inserted into said cuff
portion, said ring means being in said first configuration
comprising a substantially flattened transverse profile.
[0044] wherein steps (g) to (i) are performed between steps (b) and
(c).
[0045] Further, the method optionally further comprises the
following steps:--
[0046] (j) providing said inter-surface separation means;
[0047] (k) placing said suction port of said vacuum wand in close
proximity to the external surface of one opposing flattened surface
of said cuff portion, said cuff portion being in said non-expanded
condition;
[0048] (l) providing suction to a part of said external of said one
flattened surface of said cuff portion via said vacuum wand such as
to separate opposed flattened surfaces of said cuff portion to
enable said ring means to be inserted into said cuff portion, said
ring means being in said first configuration comprising a
substantially flattened transverse profile.
[0049] wherein steps (j) to (l) are performed between steps (b) and
(g).
[0050] Alternatively, steps (g), (h) and (i) are not performed, and
steps (j) to (l) are performed between steps (b) and (c).
[0051] Optionally, the method further comprises the steps:--
[0052] (m) providing said first transport means;
[0053] (n) transporting said vacuum wand to a position superposed
over said one flattened surface of said cuff portion between step
(j) and step (k);
[0054] Optionally, the method further comprises the steps:
[0055] (o) grasping said cuff portion by means of said vacuum wand
and transporting said glove via said first transport means to a
position within said holding means such that said cuff portion is
aligned with said at least one contact surface prior to step
(c);
[0056] (p) expanding said ring means to a third configuration
intermediate said first configuration and said second
configuration, wherein in said third configuration, said ring is
expanded sufficiently so as to engage and partially expand said
cuff portion;
[0057] (q) reducing suction from said vacuum wand such as to
disengage from said cuff portion prior to step (d).
[0058] The method may further optionally comprise the steps:--
[0059] (r) providing said second transport means;
[0060] (s) expanding said ring means to a third configuration
intermediate said first configuration and said second
configuration, wherein in said third configuration, said ring is
expanded sufficiently so as to engage and partially expand said
cuff portion;
[0061] (t) reducing suction from said vacuum wand such as to
disengage from said cuff portion;
[0062] (u) grasping said cuff portion by means of said ring means
and transporting said glove via said second transport means to a
position within said holding means such that said cuff portion is
aligned with said at least one contact surface prior to step
(c).
[0063] Preferably, the holding means are sealingly mounted to an
open end of a vacuum chamber such that a glove held by said holding
means extends into said vacuum chamber, said vacuum chamber being
adapted for expanding a portion of said glove extending into said
chamber by the application of a vacuum to the external surface of
said portion of said glove when said cuff portion is sealing held
in said open condition by said holding means.
[0064] Such a method may be adapted for donning right handed gloves
and/or left-handed gloves to a user.
[0065] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for
donning elastically expandable gloves comprising:
[0066] (i) at least one vacuum chamber having an open end, said
vacuum chamber operatively connected to a suitable vacuum
source;
[0067] (ii) holding means mounted onto said open end;
[0068] (iii) ring means.
[0069] Optionally, said apparatus further comprises glove
dispensing means for enabling at Least one glove to be engaged by
said ring means, and inter-surface separation means.
[0070] Preferably, said apparatus comprises two said vacuum
chambers, wherein one said vacuum chamber is adapted for donning
left-handed gloves, and wherein the other said vacuum chamber is
adapted for donning right-handed gloves.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates the general components of a glove
dispensing and donning apparatus incorporating the cuff expansion
system of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates in partially sectioned perspective view a
holding means according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0073] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the inter-surface
separation means according to the present invention.
[0074] FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate in partially sectioned
perspective view an embodiment of the expandable ring means of the
present invention in the first configuration and the second
configuration, respectively.
[0075] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the ring means of
FIG. 4, incorporating probe means.
[0076] FIGS. 6(a) and 6(c) illustrate in transverse cross-sectional
view another embodiment of the expandable ring means of the present
invention in the first configuration and the second configuration,
respectively. FIG. 6(b) shows detail Z of FIG. 6(a).
[0077] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the ring means of
FIGS. 6(a) to 6(b), incorporating probe means.
[0078] FIGS. 8a to 8d illustrate the steps of grasping a glove and
re-orienting same for insertion into a vacuum chamber, according to
one aspect of the invention.
[0079] FIGS. 9a to 9d illustrate the steps of grasping a glove and
re-orienting same for insertion into a vacuum chamber, according to
a second aspect of the invention.
[0080] FIG. 10 illustrates the step of positioning the glove in a
vacuum chamber with the inflatable ring in place.
[0081] FIG. 11 illustrates the step of inflating the inflatable
ring of FIG. 10.
[0082] FIG. 12 illustrates the step of deflating and removing the
inflatable ring of FIG. 4 after the cuff portion of the glove is
grasped in place by the holding means of the vacuum chamber, and
the step of evacuating the vacuum chamber to inflate the glove.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0083] The present invention is defined by the claims, the contents
of which are to be read as included within the disclosure of the
specification, and will now be described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying Figures.
[0084] The present invention relates to a system for placing,
holding and maintaining the cuff of an elastic glove in an open
position sealingly abutting the rim at the mouth of a vacuum
chamber in which the main body of the glove is inserted. Thus, when
a vacuum is applied to the chamber the main body of the glove
stretches and effectively inflates enabling a wearer's hand to be
inserted into the glove with relative ease.
[0085] In particular, the present invention relates to a system for
expanding a cuff portion of an elastically expandable glove from a
non-expanded condition to an expanded open condition and for
releasably holding said cuff portion in said open condition, said
open condition being at least sufficient to enable a hand to pass
through the cuff portion of the glove, the system comprising:--
[0086] holding means comprising suction means and at least one
suitable contact surface for sealingly holding said cuff portion in
said open condition when said cuff portion is in abutting contact
with said at least one contact surface; and
[0087] expandable ring means capable of being reversibly expanded
from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in
said first configuration said ring means comprises a compact
external profile such as to enable said ring means to be inserted
into said cuff portion when said glove is in said non-expanded
condition, and wherein in said second configuration said ring means
comprises an expanded external profile at least substantially
complementary to that of said at least one contact surface to
enable the cuff portion to be abutted thereagainst.
[0088] Such a system may be used with virtually any existing glove
donning system comprising a vacuum chamber arrangement with few
modifications, and is thus readily retrofittable.
[0089] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a
cuff expansion apparatus, (100), comprising a pair of cuff
expansion systems (10) according to the present invention, one each
for enabling the donning of right hand gloves and left hand
gloves.
[0090] The glove donning apparatus (100) typically further
comprises a housing (120) that may be mounted onto a floor or wall,
or alternatively onto a trolley or wheeled cart to be easily
transportable from one location to another. The housing (120) is
open at an upper side thereof, typically including one or a
plurality, and typically a pair, of storage chambers (150) for
storing sterilised and/or contamination free left-handed and
right-handed gloves. The apparatus (100) further comprises a pair
of glove magazines (140), one each comprising vertically stacked
left-hand or right-hand gloves, and a pair of vacuum chambers
(110), one each adapted for the right hand and for the left hand of
a user.
[0091] Each glove magazine (140) comprises a stacked arrangement of
sterilised and/or contamination-free gloves, in which the gloves
are all oriented in substantially the same manner, typically in a
flattened state with the upper part of the glove (corresponding to
the back of the hand) being substantially parallel and in close
proximity to the lower part of the glove (corresponding to the palm
area). The gloves are elastically expandable, or at least the cuff
portions of the gloves are elastically expandable, and are provided
in a non-expanded condition. The magazine (140) is adapted for
presenting an uppermost glove of a stack of gloves at a particular
height within the housing (120), as will be further described
hereinbelow, and thus comprises any suitable elevator mechanism
(145) to push the stack upwards by a suitable amount whenever the
uppermost glove is removed. When the stack of gloves in the
magazine (140) is exhausted, a new stack of gloves may be inserted
therein from the storage chambers (150) in a contamination free
manner.
[0092] The vacuum chambers (110) are each supported in the housing
(120) in any suitable manner, such as by means of side brackets or
preferably by journals (115) which permit the vacuum chambers (110)
to be rotated to a horizontal or slanted position to facilitate
donning of gloves by a user. Each vacuum chamber (110) is of a
generally cylindrical construction and is sized to accommodate the
hand of a user including a glove, at least from the tip of the
fingers up to the cuff portion and preferably to the middle of the
forearm, and the chamber (110) is open at the upper side (112)
thereof. Each vacuum chamber (110) comprises a suction pipe (130)
for evacuating the chamber, and the suction pipe (130) is connected
to a suitable vacuum source such as a suction or vacuum pump or the
like (not shown).
[0093] Referring to FIG. 2, the cuff expansion system (10) of the
present invention comprises holding means, which in the preferred
embodiment is in the form of a suction ring (20) for each vacuum
chamber (110) of said apparatus (100). The suction ring (20)
generally comprises first and second preferably coaxial concave
cylindrical contact surfaces (22) and (24) adapted for forming a
seal with at least portions of the cuff of an elastic glove that
has been expanded to abut against the contact surfaces (22) and
(24). The said first and said second contact surfaces (22) and (24)
are axially separated by suitable suction means (25) adapted to
permit suction to be applied between these contact surfaces (22)
and (24), and thus retain the cuff portion (200) of the glove
sealingly abutted against the said contact surfaces (22) and (24)
once the cuff portion (200) is properly positioned in such a
manner, as will be described hereinbelow, for example. The said
contact surfaces (22) and (24) are typically comprised on
respective axially spaced annular coaxial discs (32) and (34). The
lower disc (34) is adapted to be sealingly mounted onto the upper
open end (112) of a vacuum chamber (110). The vacuum means (25)
comprises suitable air inlet means (136), disposed axially
intermediate said contact surfaces (22) and (24), and further
comprises an outlet conduit (39) connected to a suitable vacuum
source (not shown) to provide suction to said air inlet means
(136). Typically, the said vacuum means (25) is bounded by facing
annular surfaces (33) and (35) of said discs (32) and (34),
respectively, and by inner and outer cylindrical walls (36) and
(37) axially joined thereto. Seals such as suitable O-rings (21)
may be provided for sealing between the inner and outer cylindrical
walls (36) and (37), and the discs (32), (34). The inner wall (36)
comprises said air inlet means (136), and may constitute or
comprise a suitable mesh screen, apertures or slits, for example.
Said conduit or vacuum pipe (39) may be comprised on the outer wall
(37) and connected to a suitable vacuum source such as a suction or
vacuum pump or the like (not shown). Many other alternative
constructions for the said suction ring (20) are also possible
within the scope of the invention.
[0094] The said cuff expansion system (10) further comprises
inter-surface separation means (40) adapted for separating the
opposed flattened surfaces of a glove and optionally also for
grasping a glove, preferably from a stack of gloves in said
magazine (140). Said inter-surface separation means (40) may
comprise any suitable mechanical grasping means such as a
mechanical claw, for example. Referring to FIG. 3, in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention said inter-surface separation
means (40) comprises a vacuum wand (42) having at least one inlet
opening (43) for applying a vacuum to one side of a glove, said
vacuum wand being operatively connected to a suitable vacuum
source. The said wand (42) has a grasping end (44) comprising a
suction surface (46) adapted for providing a reasonable seal with
one of the external flattened surface of a glove. A plurality of
inlet openings (43) are provided on said surface (46) for applying
a vacuum to a flattened surface of a glove. The said surface (46)
is preferably concavely arcuate so that when a glove is grasped by
said wand (42) by the upper flattened side thereof, say, this side
is automatically separated from the lower flattened side of the
glove, heretofore in juxtaposed close proximity thereto, providing
an initial opening (49) at the cuff portion of the glove. The
inter-surface separation means (40) may be carried on a suitable
transport means capable of providing the necessary translation and
rotational movements within a working volume, and typically
comprises a mechanical or robotic arm capable of providing the
necessary translations along and/or rotations about one or more
axes to enable the inter-surface separation means (40) to grasp a
glove and to convey it to the vacuum chambers (110).
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), and FIGS. 6(a) and 6(c),
the said cuff expansion system (10) further comprises an expandable
ring means (50) for extending the cuff portion (200) of a glove
into abutting contact with said contact surfaces (22) and (24) of
said suction ring (20). The ring means (50) is characterised in
being capable of reversibly expanding from a first configuration to
a second configuration. The first configuration is such that the
ring means (50) is compact enough to be inserted into the cuff
portion (200) when the glove is in the non-expanded condition, and
in particular into the opening (49) in the cuff section of the
glove arising from the glove being grasped and non-elastically
opened by the inter-surface separation means (40). The second
configuration is such as to provide a profile substantially
complementary to that of said contact surfaces (22) and (24), and
to enable the cuff portion (200) to be sealingly abutted against
these surfaces. If the contact surfaces (22), (24), are, for
example elliptical, then the ring means (50) expands to a
substantially elliptical profile complementary thereto. In the
preferred embodiment, the contact surfaces (22), (24), are
substantially cylindrical, and the ring means (50) expands to a
substantially cylindrical external profile complementary thereto.
The ring means (50) may comprise a suitable mechanical mechanism
for expanding from said first configuration to said second
configuration.
[0096] In a first embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b),
said ring means (50) comprises a substantially toroidal inflatable
ring body (52) made from an elastically expandable material capable
of being inflated by the application of a pressurised gas, and
having gas inlet means (54) for providing pressurised gas,
typically air, to the inside of said ring body (52).
[0097] In a second embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 6(a), 6(b)
and 6(c), said ring means (50) comprises a substantially rigid
inner tubular member (90), one longitudinal end (108) of which is
closed by means of wall (94), for example, and the other
longitudinal end (107) of which comprises an end wall (92) having a
tubing (93) sealingly mounted with respect thereto for providing
fluid communication between a pressurised air or gas source (not
shown), and the inside (95) of said member (90). An expandably
stretchable and flexible tubular sleeve (96) is sealing attached at
each longitudinal end (97), (98) thereof to corresponding ends
(107), (108) respectively, of the tubular member (90). The sleeve
(96) may be sealingly attached to the tubular member (90) by
suitable adhesive. Preferably, though, the longitudinal ends (97),
(98) of the sleeve (96) are stretched over enlarged rings (103),
(104), respectively, and are clamped in place by means of outer
rings (101), (102) respectively, which fit tightly over the ends
(97), (98) of the sleeve (96) and over the member (90). Nuts (104),
(105) screwed onto the ends (107), (108) respectively, of the
tubular member (90) press the outer rings (101), (102) towards the
inner rings (103), (104), respectively, thereby grippingly pinching
the ends of the sleeve (96) in place. Optionally, the inner rings
(103), (104) are in the form of radially extending discs to assist
the sleeve (96) in assuming the form of an ellipsoid of revolution
illustrated in FIG. 6(c). At least one, and preferably a plurality
of, apertures (91) provide communication between the inside (95) of
the tubular member (90) and the space (99) between the sleeve (96)
and the member (90). Pressurised air or gas (not shown), supplied
via tube (93), flows to the space (99), thereby inflating the
sleeve (96) as illustrated in FIG. 6(c). When air pressure is
removed from, or suction applied to, tube (93), the sleeve (96)
resumes its datum un-stretched condition, as illustrated in FIG.
6(a). Optionally, nut (106) may replace wall (94) if nut (106) is
adapted for sealing the end (108) of tube (90). Similarly, nut
(105) may optionally replace wall (92) if nut (105) is adapted for
sealing end (107) of tube (90), while providing a suitable aperture
for sealingly mounting therein tubing (93).
[0098] As illustrated in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), and FIGS. 6(a) and
6(c), in the first and second embodiments, said expandable ring
means (50) is thus capable of being reversibly expanded from a
first configuration having diameter (d1) to a second configuration
having diameter (d2), wherein (d2) is substantially greater than
(d1), and wherein:
[0099] (a) said first diameter (d1) is such as to enable the ring
means (50) to be inserted into the cuff portion (200) of a glove
via opening (49) arising from the glove being grasped by said
grasping means (40); and wherein
[0100] (b) said second diameter (d2) is at least equal to the
diameter (d3) of said contact surfaces (22) and (24).
[0101] Furthermore, the height (h2) of the ring means (50), at
least when fully expanded or inflated is at least a little greater
than the spacing (hi) between said contact surfaces (22) and (24)
in order to maintain sealing contact of the cuff portion (200) of
the glove with said contact surfaces (22), (24) at least until
vacuum is applied to said suction means (25).
[0102] Rather than a transverse circular profile, the ring means
(50) may alternatively comprise a substantially flattened or
elliptical transverse profile which is more readily accommodated
within the typically elongated transverse profile of the opening
(49).
[0103] Typically, and by way of non-limiting example, in the first
embodiment of the ring means (50), said ring body (52) may comprise
a first diameter (d1) of about 40 mm to about 50 mm, and a height
(h2) of about 30 mm and preferably up to about 50 mm, while the
internal diameter (d3) of the surfaces (22), (24) may be about 130
mm.
[0104] Similarly, and by way of non-limiting example, in the second
embodiment of the ring means (50), said tubular member (90) may
comprise a first diameter (d1) of about 15 mm to about 20 mm, and a
height (h2) of about 50 mm, while the internal diameter (d3) of the
surfaces (22), (24) may be about 130 mm.
[0105] Optionally, and referring to FIGS. 5 and 7 for the first and
second embodiments of said ring means (50), respectively, said ring
means (50) further comprises suitable probe means (60) extending
downstream of said ring means. The probe means (60) has a head (62)
comprising at least one nozzle means for directing pressurised gas
in a downstream direction. The nozzle means are preferably in the
form of a plurality of radial apertures (64). The probe means (60)
further comprising a compressed gas line (66) in communication with
said probe head (62), said pressurised gas line being connectable
to a suitable pressurised gas source (not shown). The probe head
(62) preferably comprises a relatively narrow transverse profile
with respect to the transverse profile of said ring means (50) when
this is in said first configuration. The probe head (62) is adapted
to be insertable in-between the substantially flattened opposed
surfaces (210) of the said cuff portion (200) when said cuff
portion (200) is in a substantially collapsed flattened condition.
The said probe means (60) is capable of providing compressed gas
flow into the glove (250) when at least said head (62) is inserted
in-between the substantially flattened opposed surfaces (210) of
the said cuff portion (200) when said cuff portion (200) is in a
substantially collapsed flattened condition. The compressed gas
flow provided by said head (62) should be at least sufficient to
separate said opposed flattened surfaces (210) to enable said ring
means (50) in said first configuration, optionally comprising a
substantially flattened transverse profile, to be inserted into
said cuff portion (200).
[0106] The expandable ring means (50) may be carried on a suitable
transport means capable of providing the necessary translation and
rotational movements within a working volume, and typically
comprises a mechanical or robotic arm capable of providing the
necessary translations along and/or rotations about one or more
axes to enable the ring means (50) to be inserted into the cuff
portion (200) of the glove (250) when in the non-expanded
condition, typically opening (49) provided by grasping means (40)
acting on the cuff portion (200) of a glove (250), and where
necessary to the vacuum chambers (110), and particularly to
position the ring means (50) in axial alignment with the vacuum
means (136) of the suction ring (20).
[0107] The present invention also relates to a method for expanding
a cuff portion of an elastically expandable glove from a
non-expanded condition to an expanded open condition and for
releasably holding said cuff portion in said open condition, said
open condition being at least sufficient to enable a hand to pass
through the cuff portion of said glove.
[0108] The system (10) of the present invention may be used as
follows. Referring to FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d), in step (a) the
inter-surface separating means (40) is brought by suitable
transport means into approximate vertical alignment with the cuff
portion (200) of a glove (250) that is lying substantially flat on
a horizontal surface (70). The horizontal surface (70) may be a
platform, though preferably it may be another glove (250) on a
vertical stack of gloves of a magazine (140), or indeed the bottom
of the magazine (140) itself, this being the last glove therein. In
step (b), the grasping means (40) then grasps the cuff portion
(200) of the upper side of the glove (250) such as to separate the
upper and lower sides (210) of the glove and provide an opening
(49) at the cuff portion (200) of the glove (250). Alternatively,
though preferably additionally, the probe means is brought into
proximity to the opening of the glove (200) and inserted in-between
the opposed surfaces (210) of the cuff portion (200), and
compressed air is delivered via said apertures (64) into at least
the cuff portion (200), separating the opposed surfaces (210). In
step (c), the ring means (50), in said first configuration, is
inserted into the opening (49) by suitable means and expanded to a
third configuration intermediate said first and second
configurations. In the third configuration, the ring means (50) is
expanded to an extent sufficient to at least slightly expand the
cuff portion (200) of the glove (250) and thus grasp and hold the
glove (250) from the inside thereof. Such an expansion should be to
less than that constituting the said second configuration of the
ring means (50), and may be accomplished in the first embodiment by
providing suitable pressurised gas, typically air, to the ring body
(52) via inlet pipe (54), and in the second embodiment by to the
space (99) via pipe (93). The inter-surface separating means (40)
may then be removed, in the preferred embodiment by first removing
the vacuum provided thereby and then physically distancing the
vacuum wand (42) from the glove (250). In step (d), suitable means
rotate the ring means (50) together with the glove (250) held
therewith such that the glove (250) is oriented substantially
vertically, with the cuff portion (250) uppermost. Suitable
transport means then transport the glove (250) held by the ring
means (50) into vacuum chamber (110) such that the ring means (50)
is axially aligned with the suction means (25) of the suction ring
(20) thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0109] FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d) illustrate an alternative though similar
procedure to that illustrated in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d), the main
difference being in that in steps (b) and (c), the inter-surface
separating means (40) grasps and rotates a glove (250) by suitable
transport means such that the glove (250) is oriented substantially
vertically, with the cuff portion (200) uppermost. In step (d),
suitable transport means transport the glove (250) held by the
inter-surface separating means (40) into vacuum chamber (110).
Then, in step (d), the ring means (50), in said first
configuration, is inserted into the opening (49) by suitable
transport means, optionally using said probe means (60) to
facilitate the insertion thereof in a similar manner as described
above with respect to FIG. 8, mutatis mutandis. Then, the ring
means (50) is expanded to said third configuration such as to
internally grasp the cuff portion (200). The ring means (50) is
thus expanded to an extent sufficient to at least slightly expand
the cuff portion (200) of the glove (250) and thus grasp and hold
the glove (250) from the inside thereof. As before, such an
expansion should be to less than that constituting the said second
configuration of the ring means (50), and may be accomplished in
the preferred embodiment by providing suitable pressurised gas,
typically air, to the ring body (52) via inlet pipe (54) for the
first embodiment, or to the space (99) via pipe (93) for the second
embodiment. The inter-surface separation means (40) may then be
removed, in the preferred embodiment by first removing the vacuum
provided thereby and then physically distancing the vacuum wand
(42) from the glove (60). The ring means (50) is then axially
aligned with the suction means (25) of the suction ring (20)
thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0110] Once the glove (250) is held in vertical orientation within
the vacuum chamber (110), with the ring means (50) aligned with the
inlet opening (136) of said suction means (25) of the suction ring
(20), the ring means (50) is expanded to said second configuration,
such that the outer surface of the cuff portion (200) of the glove
(250) is abutted against the said contact surfaces (22) and (24).
In the preferred embodiment this is accomplished by providing
pressurised gas, typically air, to the ring body (52) via inlet
pipe (54) to inflate the ring body (52) to at least a diameter
(d3), as illustrated in FIG. 11 for the first embodiment of the
ring means (50). In a similar manner, the sleeve (96) may be
inflated via pipe (93) to a similar diameter (d3) for the second
embodiment. When sealing contact is established between the outer
surface of the cuff portion (200) and the contact surfaces (22),
(24), a vacuum applied to the suction ring (20) via suction means
(25) causes the cuff portion (200) of the glove to be held onto the
suction ring (20). At this point, the ring means (50) may be
retracted, or deflated, to a diameter substantially smaller than
(d3), and preferably to that corresponding-to said first
configuration, and suitable transport means remove the said ring
means (50) from the glove (250), as illustrated in FIG. 12. A
suitable vacuum may now be applied to the vacuum chamber (110) in
the usual manner, enabling the glove (250) to expand downstream of
the cuff portion (200) under the influence of the higher ambient
pressure in the wearer environment, enabling a wearer's hand to be
inserted into the glove (250) with relative ease. The relatively
large opening to the glove provided by the adherence of the cuff to
the suction ring (20), and the expansion of the inner volume of the
glove, enable the donning of the glove (250) to be accomplished
without the need for the glove to be lubricated. The vacuum
chambers (110) may then be tilted by any desired angle about
journals (115), typically to a horizontal position, to facilitate
alignment with a user's forearm.
[0111] Advantageously, suitable pressure sensing means (not shown)
may be provided to the chamber (110) to check whether the vacuum is
being maintained. If it is found that a higher than normal suction
pressure is required to maintain the glove (250) inflated within
the chamber (110), this could be indicative of a leak from the body
of the glove itself, for example due to the presence of pinholes.
Thus, by monitoring the pressure in the vacuum chamber (110), it
may be determined whether or not each and every glove (250) has
potentially dangerous leaks, thus providing an important safety
feature.
[0112] While FIGS. 8 to 12 illustrate the above described method
with respect to the first embodiment of the ring means (50), the
method is illustratively similar for the second embodiment of the
ring means (50), mutatis mutandis.
[0113] While in the foregoing description describes in detail only
a few specific embodiments of the invention, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited
thereto and that other variations in form and details may be
possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention herein disclosed.
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